West Central Reporter

The Western Illinois University women's basketball team has garnered national recognition for their academic achievements during the 2023-24 academic year. The Leathernecks earned a spot on the Women's Basketball Coaches Association (WBCA) 2023-24 Academic Top 25 Team Honor Roll, securing the No. 2 position with a team grade point average (GPA) of 3.866.

This accomplishment places them second among all NCAA Division I women's basketball teams, just behind Youngstown State, which achieved a GPA of 3.868. The Leathernecks' ranking represents a significant improvement from the previous year when they were ranked No. 14 with a GPA of 3.659.

"Being one of the top academic teams in the nation has become a staple of our program, but finishing second in the nation is truly remarkable," said Western Illinois women's basketball coach JD Gravina. "I'm really proud of how hard these student-athletes worked in the classroom and really appreciative of all the faculty and academic services that helped support them."

The WBCA Academic Top 25 recognizes women's basketball teams across NCAA Division I, II, III, NAIA, and two-year colleges that maintain the highest combined GPAs inclusive of all student-athletes on their rosters for an entire season. The honor roll has been compiled annually for 29 years.

"The WBCA is pleased to recognize those women's basketball programs that have committed themselves to excellence on the court and in the classroom," said WBCA Executive Director Danielle Donehew. "The 112 teams we honor this year strive to achieve all-around success and we commend their efforts. Congratulations!"